Ryusyokai is both a system of Okinawan Goju Ryu and an association of affiliated dojos (training halls) under the leadership of founder, Senaha Shigetoshi, Kancho (President). Senaha sensei’s dojo is located in Tomigusuku City, Okinawa, Japan. In Japanese, this is referred to as the Sekai Ryusyokai So-Hombu (International Ryusyokai Headquarters).
His association currently spans 13 countries and at least 31 dojos.
The name Ryusyokai is derived from three Japanese kanji (characters):
琉 – Ryu (referring to the Ryukyu chain of islands that include Okinawa).
翔 – Sho/Syo (to proliferate or share).
会 – Kai (association). [image of all three kanji in vertical order with translation]
Combined, these three characters represent an association developed to share the martial traditions of the Ryukyu Islands, the largest of which is Okinawa.
The Ryusyokai is a relatively small international organization, partly because all dojo heads are either Senaha sensei’s direct students or they answer directly to another instructor who is. Simply mailing in a membership fee or filling out an application to become a member dojo is not allowed. Those wishing to begin a Ryusyokai dojo or gain advanced rank in the system must follow the proper channels of introduction and progression. All Ryusyokai dojo have competence in teaching the Ryusyokai curriculum.
in 1999, Senaha sensei announced the formation of the Ryusyokai organization. From its beginning, the organization had an international presence. At its formation, four Meibukan dojos transitioned over to the Ryusyokai; a branch dojo in Kyoto Japan, headed by Mark Dodds sensei; the Michigan, USA branch, headed by Paul Babladelis sensei; and in Canada, the Sudbury, Ontario Branch, headed by Perry Campbell sensei and Rick Ross sensei, as well as the Kagawong, Ontario branch, headed by Steven Radulovich sensei.
Since that time, the Ryusyokai has grown significantly and is regularly petitioned for membership by outside dojos. The criteria for dojo acceptance are straightforward; become a direct student of Senaha sensei or a student of a Honbu-cho (headquarters director). Students at a Ryusyokai dojo can rest assured that their teacher gained advanced training in the system directly from Senaha sensei or through affiliates who have had this experience. Those who visit an affiliate dojo anywhere in the world should see great similarity between the practitioners there and in their home dojo.